Curried Lamb and Fennel Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Oh my. So many of my favorite flavors all harmonizing on one plate. This was one of those dishes inspired by mega-hunger after a recent hike. I usually do my best cooking on an empty stomach, and this came together just as I had hoped. The licorice sweetness of fennel, bejeweling succulent curried lamb meatballs, adds only good things to the tomato sauce in which they’re simmered. Flavor-rich, satisfying, and easy. Nobody at my house complains about meatballs, and these were a particular hit.

I’ve been working late to get this recipe to you lickety-split after my recent post on Turmeric and Hypothyroidism. I know you’ve been waiting for more recipes, and I thank you in advance, for your continued patience. The reason why is that we are embarking on a full-blown remodel of our 1979 kitchen, so things have gotten a little chaotic around here. When I gaze into my crystal ball I see a lot of grilling recipes in our future, and food photo’s styled on our melamine outdoor dishes.

You may have read my recent post about turmeric’s amazing health and healing potential, and are as inspired to cook with it as I am. I predict this recipe will be the first of many featuring turmeric here on Hypothyroid Chef. It’s also built on my #1 favorite red meat: lamb, which provides us with key thyroid-supporting nutrients like selenium, zinc, iron, and tyrosine. Fennel adds fiber, loads of nutrients, and a sweet licorice flavor that makes it one of my favorite not-so-secret ingredients. If you haven’t come around to cooking with fresh fennel I highly recommend doing so, especially with any kind of tomato sauce, seafood, or roast chicken. Yum.

And of course, it never hurts our thyroid health to scatter cilantro leaves about our plates with wild abandon– you can read more about Cilantro and Hypothyroidism here. Finally, the whole, luscious mess is adorned with a cape of whole milk yogurt, supporting our bellies and bodies with the probiotic goodness that is so important to healing the gut imbalances associated with Hashimoto’s. I’ll bullet point the hypothyroid highlights for you in The Breakdown, below.

One final recipe note, pine nuts are goitrogenic, so best to enjoy in moderation. If you wish to completely avoid goitrogens you can substitute toasted sliced almonds.

Real quick, let’s break it down:

The Breakdown

Whole milk yogurt, in addition to providing the thyroid with selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and tyrosine, is an animal source of vitamin A, which does not have to be converted by the body like plant sources of vitamin A (beta carotene). Deficiencies in vitamin A have been associated with the onset of hypothyroidism.

I have been reducing my intake of grains altogether, and loved these saucy beauties on their own, but if you’d like to add a side dish I recommend a golden rice pilaf like this one, which adds another dose of turmeric. My gluten-loving husband used a slice or two of baguette to wipe his plate clean; however, as you probably know, gluten tops the list of foods to avoid for those of us with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. Better skip the bread. However you serve these, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Wishing You a Most Delicious Day,

Curried Lamb & Fennel Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Created by Ginny Mahar on April 27, 2016

These rich and savory meatballs are great on their own or alongside some basmati rice and a green salad.

Instructions

In a large skillet (I used non-stick ceramic here) over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon ghee. Add fennel and saute until tender, 3 - 5 minutes. Add curry powder, shallot, and garlic and saute one minute more. Remove from heat and set aside until cool enough to handle.

In a medium mixing bowl combine ground lamb, egg, salt, and pepper. Add fennel mixture and mix to combine. Form into walnut-sized balls.

In same large skillet, melt remaining ghee over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown, undisturbed, about 5 minutes. Flip once and brown again for another 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Simmer 15 minutes uncovered, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened a bit.

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Disclaimer

Hypothyroid Chef is a place to share my recipes and my quest for better thyroid health, with you. I am neither doctor, nor dietitian, but a passionate cook who wants to know more and feel better. This is not a place for medical advice, and any opinions shared are my own. Information shared on Hypothyroid Chef is for educational purposes only and is neither intended nor implied as a substitute for professional medical advice. Before implementing changes to your diet, exercise program, or lifestyle, please consult with your doctor.